Disk augmentation system and method

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a disk augmentation system and method for situating a retainer comprising artificial supports posterior to or exterior of a spinal column and a spinal column axis. The system and method provides an external retainer having supports for receiving at least one artificial compression body and securing at least one artificial compression body in a supported relationship to facilitate reducing load on the one or more natural disks of a patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a disk augmentation system and method forproviding support for reducing load on one or more disks in a patient'sspine.

Human spines are formed from vertebrae, which are separated andcushioned from each other by disks. The disks consist of a fibrous outerenvelope containing a gel-like fluid. The disks are subject to largeforces, which may vary from about 175 pounds when a person is at rest toas high as about 500 pounds during activity. For example, a person wholifts a 15-pound weight one foot in front of such person, using abending movement, can generate nearly 500 pounds of force on his or herspine. Because of the high forces on them, spinal disks commonlyrupture, particularly as they deteriorate with age.

Various attempts have been made to deal with the problem of a diseasedintervertebral disk. One standard procedure is to remove the disk andfuse the vertebrae, which were formerly separated by the disk. Adifficulty with this is that relative motion between the two vertebraeis no longer possible, causing both stiffness in the spine anddifficulties in areas above or below the fused disk.

Other attempts to deal with the problem have involved removing thediseased disk and replacing it with a prosthetic artificial disk made ofa resilient material or mechanical articulation. The goal of suchpredicate devices is to replace the diseased disk with an artificialdevice of similar biomechanical function. A major problem with thisapproach is that it requires an extensive and technically demandingsurgical procedure. Such a procedure consists of surgical exposurethrough the abdomen of the patient, which risks injury to abdominalstructures and usually requires the services of a multidisciplinarysurgical team. Meticulous and complete removal of the native disk isrequired prior to placement of such a device—a time consuming andtechnically difficult procedure.

Still other attempts to deal with the problem have included deviceswhich place springs, flexible rods, or bands around the rear portion ofthe spine in order to share the load placed upon disks and theirassociated joints. These devices have the advantage of being relativelystraightforward to place surgically through a rearward approach;however, they do not replicate the ideal biomechanical properties of atrue prosthetic disk system. Some examples of prior systems related todisk augmentation are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,309,777,4,759,769, 5,258,031, 5,415,661, 5,645,599, 5,928,284, 6,146,421,6,231,609, 6,293,949, 6,419,704, 6,440,169, 6,540,785, 6,595,993,6,572,653, and 6,610,093.

There is, therefore, a need for a system and method for facilitatingreducing load on one or more disks in the spinal column by providing arearwardly-placed external disk retainer and support system and method.Such a system will replicate the biomechanical properties of anintervertebral prosthetic disk with the simplicity and safety of arearward approach.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a diskaugmentation system for providing exterior support to one or morevertebrae and to facilitate reducing load on one or more disks.

In one aspect, this invention comprises a disk augmentation systemcomprising: a first support for mounting onto a first vertebra in aspinal cord, a second support for mounting onto a second vertebra, thefirst and second supports being located exterior to a disk area betweenthe first and second vertebrae and cooperating to define a compressionbody area for receiving a compression body, and the first and secondsupports supporting the compression body exterior to the disk area.

In another aspect, this invention comprises an adjustable compressionsystem for mounting to a plurality of vertebrae: a support for mountingon the vertebrae of a spinal column, and a retainer situated exterior ofthe spinal column for retaining a compression body outside a native diskspace and an axis of the spine, the frame and compression retainerfacilitating reducing loading of at least one disk in the spinal column.

Still another aspect, this invention comprises a method for reducingload on a disk, mounting a first mount on a first vertebra, mounting asecond mount on a second vertebra, the first and second mounts definingan area for housing a compression body external to an axis of the spinalcord, and situating the compression body in the posterior area.

In yet another aspect, this invention comprises an adjustablecompression system for reducing a load on at least one lumbar disk, theadjustable compression system comprising: a retainer for mounting on afirst vertebra and a second vertebra of a spinal column, the retainercomprising a retaining area for receiving an artificial disk and forsupporting the artificial disk posterior of the vertebra, the retainercooperating with the artificial disk to facilitate reducing load on theat least one lumbar disk when the first and second vertebrae move eithertoward or away from each other.

In still another aspect, this invention comprises an extra-axial spinalartificial disk method comprising the step of placing an artificialelastic or articulating mechanism that replicates or augments thefunction of a native disk in any location other than a native disk spaceor a normal axis of the spine.

In yet another aspect, this invention comprises an artificial disk thatreplicates or augments the function of a native disk in any locationother than a native disk space or a normal axis of the spine,comprising: a body, and an elastomeric or articulating mechanism in thebody.

In still another aspect, this invention comprises an adjustablecompression system for reducing the load on at least one lumbar disk,the adjustable compression system comprising: a retainer for retaining afirst compression body posterior of the spinal column and forfacilitating reducing load on at least lumbar disk in the spinal column,and a second retainer for mounting on the spinal column also forfacilitating reducing load on the at least one lumbar disk, wherein thefirst and second retainers are not located along an axis of the spinalcolumn.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description, the accompanying drawings and the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a view of a showing a disk situated between adjacentvertebrae.

FIG. 2 is another view with part of the central vertebrae removed;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating means and method for mounting support rodsonto anchor screws

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a retainer mounted onto the support rods:

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the retainer shown in a mounted positionin FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating a single disk being used with apair of support members;

FIG. 7 illustrates another feature of the invention used without a disk;

FIG. 8 illustrates a supply of compression bodies or disks of varyingdensities and sizes;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the inventions;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of a rear or posterior view of the retainermounted on the supports;

FIG. 11 is a view of another embodiment of the invention showing aplurality of retainers mounted on supports;

FIG. 12 is another view of another embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a view of a pair of supports used in another embodiment ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, a disk augmentation system and method willnow be described. The system and method of the invention are used tofacilitate reducing load on one or more disks, such as disk 12 betweenvertebrae 14 and 16 and disk 18 between vertebrae 16 and 20. Theinvention comprises means or a system 22 for reducing a load on at leastone of lumbar disks when the vertebrae, such as vertebrae 14 and 16,move either away from or toward each other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and the exploded view in FIG. 9, the system22 comprises a plurality of screws 24, 26 28 and 30 comprising openheads 24 a, 26 a, 28 a and 30 a, respectively. In the embodiment beingdescribed, the open heads 24 a, 26 a, 28 a and 30 a comprise a receivingarea 24 a 1, 26 a 1, 28 a 1 and 30 a 1, respectively. The areas 24 a 1,26 a 1, 28 a 1 and 30 a 1 receive supports 32 and 42 as shown. Forexample, the open heads 24 a and 26 a receive a support or cylindricalrod 32 in the areas 24 a 1 and 26 a 1, respectively. The inner diameterof the heads 24 a, 26 a, 28 a and 30 a are threaded to threadablyreceive the screws 34, 36, 38 and 40 as described later herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 10 and 11, the screws 24, 26, 28 and 30 arefirst screwed into the vertebrae 16 and 20. The support 32 is situatedin the areas 24 a 1 and 26 a 1. The heads 24 a and 26 a receive thescrews 34 and 36 to secure the support 32 to the heads 24 a and 26 a asshown. Likewise, after the screws 28 and 30 are mounted to theirrespective vertebra, such as vertebra 20 in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support42 is situated in the areas 28 a 1 and 30 a 1. The screws 38 and 40 arethreadably received in the threaded screw heads 28 a and 30 a to lockthe support 42 to the heads 28 a and 30 a.

The system 22 further comprises at least one retainer, retainer means orretaining system 41 (FIG. 5) for mounting on the supports 32 and 42 tosupportably retain at least one compression body, such as a compressiondisk 64, exterior of an axis of the patient's spine. The retainer 41comprises a first support 44 and a second support 46 which are mountedonto the rods 32 and 42, respectively, with appropriate fasteners orscrews 48, 50, 52 and 54, as best illustrated in FIG. 10. A thirdsupport 56 may optionally be provided as well. Notice that the system 22comprises an adjustable fastener or fastening means in the form of anadjustable screw 58 that is received through the apertures 56 a and 44 aof supports 56 and 44 and threadably received in a threaded opening 46 aof support 46.

Note that the support 44 comprises an aperture or recessed area 70 (FIG.5) defined by a generally accurate or curved wall 72. The support 32 isreceived in the area 70 and the screws 48 and 50 (FIG. 9) are threadablymounted in the threaded openings 51 and 53, respectively. The ends 48 aand 50 a of screws 48 and 50 engage the support 32 and force it againstthe surface 72 a (FIG. 5) in order to mount and retain the support 44 onthe rod 32. Likewise, the support 46 comprises an aperture 74 defined byan accurate or curved wall 76 and having a surface 76 a against whichthe support or rod 42 engages when the second support 46 is mountedthereto. In this regard and as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 9 and 10, notethat the screws 52 and 54 are threadably received in threaded openings(e.g. threaded screw 52 is received in opening 78 in FIG. 9) until end52a of screw 52 engages the support 42 and forces it against the surface76 a, thereby mounting and retaining the second support 46 onto thesupport 42.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, note that the supports 44 and 46 cooperate todefine a first compression body area 60, and supports 44 and 56cooperate to define a second compression body area 62. The first andsecond compressing body areas 60 and 62 receive at least one compressionbody, such as compression bodies 64 and 66, respectively. In theembodiment being described, the compression body is a compressiblematerial such as polyethylene, silicone, or viscoelastic polymer thatcomprises a mechanical density on the order of the native intervertebraldisk. The compression bodies 64 and 66 may comprise any suitablecross-sectional and overall shape, such as one or more of the polygonalshapes illustrated in FIG. 8 or any oval, elliptical, circular or anyother suitable or desired shape to provide the desired compressioncharacteristics necessary to facilitate relieving or reducing load on atleast one of the disks 12 or 18 (FIG. 1).

It should be understood, that the invention may be used with less thanall three of the supports 44, 46, and 56 or with more supports asdesired in a stacked or sandwiched array of supports and compressionbodies, one on top of the other. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the system 22could comprise just a pair of supports 44 and 46 between which one ormore disks are mounted as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively and asillustrated in FIG. 7, the supports could be provided without anycompression disk therebetween to provide a fixed or fusion-type supportto the vertebrae, such as vertebrae 16 and 20 illustrated in FIG. 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first and second supports 44 and 46comprise portions 44 b and 46 b that lie in imaginary planes P1 and P2(FIG. 4) that are generally parallel and are situated at an angle θrelative to the spine axis when the system 22 is assembled and mountedinto position illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, the compression bodies 64 and66 lie in one or more planes, such as planes P1 and P2, as illustratedin FIG. 4. In the embodiments being described, the angle θ is apredetermined angle of approximately 30 degrees or less. The anglegenerally corresponds to the angle between the long axis of the spineand the facet joints and/or spinous processes. Note that after thesupports 44, 46 and 56 are mounted as shown, the compression bodies 64and 66 are situated exterior to the spinal axis and spinal cord, asillustrated in FIG. 4. In the embodiment being described, the planes P1and P2 mentioned earlier are generally parallel to the facet joint andinter-spinous process articulations.

In the embodiment being described, the at least one adjustable fastener58 is adjustable to permit loading at least one of the compressionbodies 64 and 66 with a predetermined amount of pressure. In theembodiment being described, the predetermined about 10-300 pounds. Thepredetermined amount of pressure may vary depending on the desiredcompliance and constraining properties of the device.

Note the supports 44, 46 and 56 each comprise a compression body supportsurface which in the embodiment being described is a planar portion 44b, 46 b and 56 b. Each of the generally planar portions 44 b, 46 b and56 b are arranged to define opposing surfaces 44 b 1 and 44 b 2, 46 b 1and 46 b 2, and 56 b 1 and 56 b 2, respectively. Each surface cooperateswith an opposing surface from an adjacent support to define thecompression body receiving areas, such as the areas 60 and 62 (FIG. 5),mentioned earlier herein. For example, note that the support 44 in FIG.5 comprises the surfaces 44 b 1 and 44 b 2. The surface 44 b 1 ofsupport 44 cooperates with surface 56 b 1 of planar portion 56 b todefine the compression body receiving area 62. Likewise, the surface 44b 2 of support 44 cooperates with surface 46 b 1 to define thecompression body receiving area 60. The surfaces 44 b 1, 44 b 2, 46 b 1,46 b 2, 56 b 1 and 56 b 2 may define a substantially continuous or flatsurface for supporting all or a portion of the compression bodies 64 and66, which as mentioned earlier, may be provided in any suitable shape.Alternatively, these surfaces may be non-planar. For example, thesurfaces may be concave or define a recessed area (not shown) thatgenerally corresponds to the shape of the compression body to facilitateretaining the compression body in place. In this regard, note that thecompression bodies have an aperture, such as aperture 66 a in body 66,that receives the adjustable fastener 58 to facilitate retaining thebody in place.

Advantageously, the system and method of the present invention providemeans for situating one or more artificial compression bodies exteriorto the spinal cord and exterior to the disk areas in which the patient'sdisks, such as disks 12 and 18, are situated.

The compression bodies 64 and 66 (FIG. 5 and 9) are selected from asupply of a plurality of compression bodies comprising a plurality ofdifferent predetermined densities and/or a plurality of differentpredetermined shapes when viewed in cross section and/or a plan view. Inthe embodiment being described and as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, thecompression bodies 64, 66 and 81-91 in FIG. 8 may comprise across-sectional and overall shape that is polygonal, triangular,elliptical, circular, rectangular, square, or any other suitable shapedesired.

As illustrated in the exploded view in FIG. 9, the compression bodies,such as compression bodies 64 and 66 shown in FIG. 9, may be generallyrectangular to match or generally correspond to or complement the shapeand size of the planar surfaces 44 b 1, 44 b 2, 46 b 1 and 56 b 2.Alternatively, different shapes and sizes, such as circular, triangular,polygonal, elliptical shaped disks may be provided. It should also beappreciated that the supports 44, 46 and 56 may be provided to definesurface areas that are different from the shape of the portions 44 b, 46b and 56 b illustrated in FIG. 9. For example, the portions 44 b, 46 band 56 b could be triangular, polygonal, rectangular, elliptical orcircular to define the portions 44 b, 46 b and 56 b. In the embodimentbeing described, typical dimensions for the compressive body are 1-2square inches by 0.5 to one inch. In the embodiment being described, thecompression body 64, 66 and 81-91 may comprise predetermined densitieson the order of the native intervertebral disk, which are selected basedon the patient's needs.

During a surgical procedure, a portion 16 a (FIG. 1) of vertebra 16 isremoved by conventional means. Screws 24, 26, 28 and 30 are mounted intothe vertebrae, such vertebrae 16 and 20 in the illustration shown inFIG. 4. The supports 32 and 42 are then mounted on the screws 24-30 asshown and as described earlier. The retainer 41 comprising the first andsecond supports 44 and 46 are then mounted on the support rods 32 and42, respectively. The disks 64 and 66 are sandwiched between thesupports 44, 46 and 56 as shown and the adjustable tensioner 58 ismounted through the disks 64, 66 and supports 44 and 56 and threadedinto threaded aperture 46 a as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 10, if the vertebrae 16 and 20 move awayfrom each other (as viewed in FIG. 4), then the support 44 moves in thedirection of arrow A in FIG. 4 while supports 46 and rod 56 move in thedirection of arrow B in FIG. 4. The movement of support 46 causes thesupport 56 to also move downward (as viewed in the Figure) in thedirection of arrow B as the support 44 moves in the direction of arrowA. This, in turn, causes compressing of the compression disk 66, whichfacilitates reducing stress.

When the disks 16 and 20 move toward each other, the support 44 movesdownward in the direction of arrow B, while the supports 46 and 56 movein the direction of arrow A. The disk 64 compresses in response thereto,thereby facilitating reducing the compressive load on the patient's disk18. The system and method are operable when a vertebra movesindependently or when they move simultaneously with another vertebra tofacilitate reducing loading on one or more disks, such as disk 18.

As alluded to earlier, the adjustable fastener 58 is adjustable so thata surgeon may preload or load one or more of the compression body 62 and64 with a predetermined amount of pressure by simply rotating thefastener 58 in a clockwise direction. This may be desirable in order todecrease the freedom of movement of the device and decrease thecompliance of the compression body based on the patient's needs.

Notice that the retainer 41 is situated posterior of and exterior to thespinal axis and the native disk spaces in which the disks, such as disks12 and 18 in FIG. 1, are located. Thus, the system and method providemeans and apparatus for situating one or more elastic or articulatingmechanisms or bodies designed to replicate or augment the function ofthe native disk in any location other than the native disk space inwhich the patient's native disk is located. The system and methodfurther permits the retainer 41 to be situated outside the axis of thespine.

Another advantage of the apparatus and system of the invention is thatafter the supports 44 and 46 are installed during a first operation, forexample, a surgeon may replace the compressible disks, such as disk 64and 66, with one or more new or replacement disks 64 and 66, such as areplacement disk (not shown) having a greater thickness, differentdensity, different shape, different size or the like. Thus, the systemand method of the present invention is adaptable and enables, forexample, a surgeon to replace one or more of the compression bodies 64and 66 with a replacement body (not shown) during subsequent operations.This can be done by using the same or a different retainer 41 in orderto meet the needs of the patient.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-13, another embodiment of the invention isshown wherein the system and method comprises a plurality of diskaugmentation supports for facilitating reducing a load on at least oneof the lumbar disks, when the vertebrae, such as vertebrae 14 and 16(FIG. 1) move either away from or toward each other. This embodimentcomprises parts that are the same or similar to the parts shown in FIGS.1-10 and such parts are labeled with the same part number, except thatthe parts in FIGS. 11-13 have a prime mark (“′”) added thereto. Noticein the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-13 that a plurality of retainers100′ are provided. Each retainer 100′ comprises a first support 102 a′that is coupled to a support column or post 102 b′. An opposing support104′ comprises a planar member 104 a′ that is coupled to a support postor column 104 b′. Notice that the surfaces 102 a 1′ and 104 a 1′ aregenerally planar in the embodiment being described and support thecompression disks 66′ as shown. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS.1-10, the supports 102 b′ and 104 b′ are secured to the screws 24′-30′with the screws 34′-40′ in the same manner as the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-10. The embodiment in FIGS. 11-13 further comprises a pair ofretaining or spacing brackets 106′ and 108′ that are secured to thesupports 102 b′ and 104 b′ with the screws 110′ and 112′, respectively.The brackets 106′ and 108′ facilitate retaining the retainers 100′ in afixed and spaced position relative to each other.

After the screws 24′-30′ are mounted to the vertebrae, such as vertebras16 and 20, respectively, the supports 102′ and 104′ of retainer 100′ aresecured thereto with the screws 34′-40+. The compression bodies 66 arethen placed between surfaces 102 a 1′ and 104 a 1′ as shown and screw58′ is threaded through opening 107′ (FIG. 13) and then threaded intothe threaded aperture 108′ to retain the compression body 66 between thesupports 102′ and 104′.

Advantageously, this embodiment of the invention utilizes the same orsimilar features as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-10 tofacilitate reducing load on one or more disks in the spinal.

It should be understood that one or more of the features of theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1-10 may be used with the second embodiment.For example, the retainers 100′ may be equipped with multiple disks likein FIG. 4, and those disks may be configured as shown in FIG. 8.

In this embodiment, a plurality of retainers 41 are provided to providemultiple support to adjacent vertebrae.

It should be understood that the invention may also be used in anenvironment where one or more disks are fused together, such as when apatient has transitional segment syndrome.

While the system and method described herein constitute preferredembodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the inventionis not limited to this precise system and method, and that changes maybe made in either without departing from the scope of the inventions,which is defined in the appended claims.

1. A disk augmentation system comprising: a first support for mountingonto a first vertebra in a spinal cord; a second support for mountingonto a second vertebra; said first and second supports being locatedexterior to a disk area between said first and second vertebrae andcooperating to define a compression body area for receiving acompression body; and said first and second supports supporting saidcompression body exterior to said disk area.
 2. The disk augmentationsystem as recited in claim 1 wherein said first support comprises afirst planar member and said second support comprises a second planarmember, said first and second planar members being in a generallyparallel relationship after said first and second supports are mountedonto said first and second vertebrae, respectively.
 3. The diskaugmentation system as recited in claim 2 wherein said first and secondplanar members are situated at a predetermined angle relative to an axisof said spinal cord.
 4. The disk augmentation system as recited in claim3 wherein said predetermined angle is approximates the angle between thefacet joint articulation and the long axis of the spine and/or thespinous processes and the long axis of the spine.
 5. The diskaugmentation system as recited in claim 3 wherein said predeterminedangle is approximately 30 degrees.
 6. The disk augmentation system asrecited in claim 1 wherein said retainer system comprises an adjustabletensioner.
 7. The disk augmentation system as recited in claim 6 whereinsaid adjustable tensioner comprises a screw for adjustably tighteningand securing said first support to said second support.
 8. The diskaugmentation system as recited in claim 1 wherein said compression bodyis selected from a supply of a plurality of compression bodies, saidplurality of compression bodies comprising different predetermineddensities.
 9. The disk augmentation system as recited in claim 1 whereinsaid compression body is selected from a supply of a plurality ofcompression bodies, said plurality of compression bodies comprisingdifferent predetermined shapes.
 10. The disk augmentation system asrecited in claim 1 wherein said system comprises a third support thatcooperates with said first and second supports to support said first andsecond vertebrae when they move in opposite directions.
 11. The diskaugmentation system as recited in claim 10 wherein said third supportand at least one of said first or second supports defines a secondcompression body receiving area for receiving a second compression body.12. The disk augmentation system as recited in claim 11 wherein saidfirst support comprises a first planar member, said second supportcomprises a second planar member, and said third support comprises athird planar member, said first, second and third planar members beingin a generally parallel relationship after said first, second and thirdsupports are mounted on said first and second vertebrae.
 13. The diskaugmentation system as recited in claim 12 wherein said first, secondand third generally planar members generally parallel and are situatedat a predetermined angle relative to said spinal cord.
 14. The diskaugmentation system as recited in claim 13 wherein said predeterminedangle is acute.
 15. The disk augmentation system as recited in claim 13wherein said predetermined angle is approximately 30 degrees.
 16. Thedisk augmentation system as recited in claim 10 wherein said systemcomprises an adjustable tensioner.
 17. The disk augmentation system asrecited in claim 16 wherein said adjustable tensioner comprises a screwfor adjustably tightening and securing said first support to said secondsupport.
 18. The disk augmentation system as recited in claim 10 whereinsaid compression body and said second compression body are selected froma supply of a plurality of compression bodies, said plurality ofcompression bodies comprising different predetermined densities.
 19. Thedisk augmentation system as recited in claim 10 wherein said compressionbody and said second compression body are selected from a supply of aplurality of compression bodies, said plurality of compression bodiescomprising different predetermined shapes.
 20. The disk augmentationsystem as recited in claim 19 wherein said different predeterminedshapes comprise multi-sided, quadrangular or triangular profile.
 21. Thedisk augmentation system as recited in claim 11 wherein said compressionbody and said second compression body are generally quadrangular,rectangular, circular or elliptical.
 22. The disk augmentation system asrecited in claim 9 wherein at least one of said first vertebra or saidsecond vertebra is fused to a third vertebra.
 23. The disk augmentationsystem as recited in claim 1, wherein said system further comprises: afourth support for mounting onto the first vertebrae; a fifth supportfor mounting onto said second vertebrae; said fourth and fifth supportscooperating to define a second compression body area for receiving asecond compression body; and a retainer for retaining said compressionbetween said first and second supports and exterior and in operativerelationship to a disk area between said first and second vertebrae. 24.The disk augmentation system as recited in claim 23, wherein said systemfurther comprises: a bracket for coupling said fourth and fifth supportsin a spaced relationship.
 25. The disk augmentation system as recited inclaim 23, wherein said fourth and fifth supports are situated adjacentto each other in a plane that generally corresponds to a patient'sinvertabral disk.
 26. An adjustable compression system for mounting to aplurality of vertebrae: a support for mounting on the vertebrae of aspinal column; and a retainer situated exterior of said spinal columnfor retaining a compression body outside a native disk space and an axisof the spine; said frame and compression retainer facilitating reducingloading of at least one disk in said spinal column.
 27. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 26 wherein said retainercomprises a first support and a second support for mounting to saidspinal column.
 28. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim26 wherein said system comprises at least one fastener that isadjustable to permit loading said compression body with a predeterminedamount of pressure.
 29. The adjustable compression system as recited inclaim 28 wherein said predetermined amount of pressure is on the orderof the physiological pressures upon the native intervertebral disk. 30.The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 27 wherein saidfirst support and said second support are generally planar.
 31. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 27 wherein said firstsupport comprises a first mount for securing to a first vertebra andsaid second support comprises a second mount for securing to a secondvertebra; said first and second supports each comprising a latch formounting on said first mount and said second mount, respectively, saidadjustable compression system further comprising: a plurality offasteners for securing said first and second supports onto a first mountand a second mount, respectively, after said first and second mounts aremounted onto said first and second mounts.
 32. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 31 wherein said first and secondmounts comprise at least one cylindrical support mounted onto said firstand second vertebrae, respectively, with at least one screw.
 33. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 27 wherein said firstsupport comprises a first planar member and said second supportcomprises a second planar member, said first and second planar membersbeing in a generally parallel relationship after said first and secondsupports are mounted on said first and second vertebrae, respectively.34. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 33 whereinsaid first and second planar members are situated at a predeterminedangle relative to said spinal cord.
 35. The adjustable compressionsystem as recited in claim 34 wherein said predetermined angle face isacute.
 36. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 34wherein said predetermined angle face is approximately 30 degrees. 37.The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 26 wherein saidcompression body is selected from a supply of a plurality of compressionbodies, said plurality of compression bodies comprising differentpredetermined densities.
 38. The adjustable compression system asrecited in claim 26 wherein said compression body is selected from asupply of a plurality of compression bodies, said plurality ofcompression bodies comprising different predetermined shapes.
 39. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 27 wherein said systemcomprises a third support that cooperates with said first and secondsupports to facilitate reducing load on at least one native disk whensaid first and second vertebrae move in opposite directions.
 40. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 39 wherein said thirdsupport and at least one of said first or second supports defines asecond compression body receiving area for receiving a secondcompression body.
 41. The adjustable compression system as recited inclaim 40 wherein said first support comprises a first planar member,said second support comprises a second planar member, and said thirdsupport comprises a third planar member, said first, second and thirdsupports being in a generally parallel relationship after said first,second and third supports are mounted on said frame.
 42. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 41 wherein said first, second andthird planar members are situated at a predetermined angle relative tosaid spinal cord.
 43. The adjustable compression system as recited inclaim 42 wherein said predetermined angle is an acute angle.
 44. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 43 wherein saidpredetermined angle is less than 60 degrees.
 45. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 41 wherein said system comprisesat least one fastener that is adjustable to permit loading saidcompression body with a predetermined amount of pressure.
 46. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 45 wherein said atleast one fastener comprises a screw for adjustably securing said first,second and third supports together.
 47. The adjustable compressionsystem as recited in claim 45 wherein said at least one fastener couplesthe first and second support and the compression bodies together. 48.The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 46 wherein saidcompression body and said second compression body are selected from asupply of a plurality of compression bodies, said plurality ofcompression bodies comprising different predetermined densities.
 49. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 46 wherein saidcompression body and said second compression body are selected from asupply of a plurality of compression bodies, said plurality ofcompression bodies comprising different predetermined shapes.
 50. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 48 wherein saidcompression body and said second compression body comprise acompressible material such as polyethylene, silicone, or viscoelasticpolymer.
 51. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 19wherein at least one of said first vertebra or said second vertebra isfused to a third vertebra.
 52. The adjustable compression system asrecited in claim 1 wherein said retainer is posterior of said spinalcolumn.
 53. A method for reducing load on a disk, said method comprisingthe steps of: mounting a first support on a first vertebra; mounting asecond support on a second vertebra; said first and second mountsdefining an area for housing a compression body external to an axis ofsaid spinal cord; and situating said compression body in said area. 54.The method as recited in claim 53 wherein said method further comprisesthe step of: selecting said compression body from a supply of aplurality of compression bodies.
 55. The method as recited in claim 54wherein said plurality of compression bodies comprise differentdensities.
 56. The method as recited in claim 54 wherein said pluralityof compression bodies comprise different shapes.
 57. The method asrecited in claim 53 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:performing said situating step during a first operation; removing saidcompression body and inserting a replacement compression body during asecond operation.
 58. The method as recited in claim 53 wherein saidmethod further comprises the steps of: mounting a third support ontosaid first vertebra and a fourth support on to said second vertebra;fastening said first support to said third support and second support tosaid fourth vertebra.
 59. The method as recited in claim 58 wherein saidfirst and second mounts comprise a first support and a second support,said method further comprising the step of: situating a fifth support inoperative relationship with at least one of said first and secondsupports to define a second posterior area for receiving a secondcompression body.
 60. The method as recited in claim 53 wherein saidmethod further comprises the step of: adjustably securing said first andsecond mounts and said third support together.
 61. The method as recitedin claim 60 wherein said method further comprises the step of:adjustably securing at least one compression body among said first andsecond support.
 62. The method as recited in claim 53 wherein saidmethod further comprises the steps of: mounting a third mount on saidfirst vertebrae; mounting a fourth mount on said second vertebrae; saidthird and fourth mounts defining a second posterior area for housing asecond compression body; and situating said second compression body insaid second posterior area.
 63. The method as recited in claim 61wherein said method further comprises the steps of: securing at leastone bracket between either said first and third mounts or said secondand fourth mounts to retain said mounts in a fixed relation relative toeach other.
 64. An adjustable compression system for reducing a load onat least one lumbar disk, said adjustable compression system comprising:a retainer for mounting on a first vertebra and a second vertebra of aspinal column, said retainer comprising a retaining area for receivingan artificial body and for supporting said artificial body posterior ofsaid vertebra; said retainer cooperating with said artificial disk tofacilitate reducing load on said at least one lumbar disk when saidfirst and second vertebrae move either toward or away from each other.65. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 64 wherein theartificial body is a disk.
 66. The adjustable compression system asrecited in claim 64 wherein said retainer reduces loading when saidfirst and second vertebrae move toward each other.
 67. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 64 wherein said retainer reducesloading when said first and second vertebrae move away from each other.68. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 64 whereinsaid retainer reduces loading when said first and second vertebrae moveeither toward or away from each other.
 69. The adjustable compressionsystem as recited in claim 64 wherein said retainer comprises: a firstmount for mounting on said first vertebra and a second mount formounting on said second vertebra, said first mount comprising a firstartificial body support and said second mount comprising a secondartificial body support; said first and second artificial body supportscooperating to define said receiving area.
 70. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 69 wherein said first and secondmounts detachably receive said first and second artificial body supportsafter said first and second mounts are mounted on said first and secondvertebrae.
 71. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 70wherein said system comprises at least one fastener for adjustablyfastening said first and second artificial body supports to said firstand second mounts.
 72. The adjustable compression system as recited inclaim 70 wherein said system comprises at least one adjustable fastenerto permit adjustable loading said artificial body with a predeterminedamount of pressure after it is received in the retaining area.
 73. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 72 wherein saidpredetermined amount of pressure is on the order of the physiologicalpressures upon the native intervertebral disk.
 74. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 69 wherein said first and secondartificial body supports are generally planar.
 75. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 69 wherein said first and secondmounts each comprise at least one mounting rod; said first and secondartificial body supports being mounted on said at least one mounting rodsuch that said artificial body supports are situated in a generallyopposed relationship exterior to said spinal column.
 76. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 69 wherein said first artificialbody support comprises a first planar member and said second artificialbody support comprises a second planar member, said first and secondplanar members being in a generally parallel relationship after saidfirst and second mounts are mounted on said first and second vertebrae,respectively.
 77. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim76 wherein said first and second generally planar members are situatedat a predetermined angle relative to said spinal cord.
 78. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 77 wherein saidpredetermined angle is acute.
 79. The adjustable compression system asrecited in claim 77 wherein said predetermined angle faces downward atapproximately 30 degrees.
 80. The adjustable compression system asrecited in claim 64 wherein said artificial body is selected from asupply of a plurality of artificial bodies, said plurality of artificialbodies comprising different predetermined densities.
 81. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 64 wherein said artificial bodyis selected from a supply of a plurality of artificial bodies, saidplurality of artificial bodies comprising different predeterminedshapes.
 82. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 69wherein said system comprises a third mount that cooperates with atleast one of said first and second mounts for reducing spinal columnloads when said first and second vertebrae move in opposite directions.83. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 82 whereinsaid third mount and at least one of said first or second mounts definesa second artificial body receiving area for receiving a secondartificial body.
 84. The adjustable compression system as recited inclaim 83 wherein said first support comprises a first planar member,said second mount comprises a second planar member, and said third mountcomprises a third planar member, said first, second and third mountsbeing in a generally parallel relationship after said first, second andthird supports are mounted on said frame.
 85. The adjustable compressionsystem as recited in claim 84 wherein said first, second and thirdgenerally planar members are situated at a predetermined angle relativeto said spinal cord.
 86. The adjustable compression system as recited inclaim 85 wherein said predetermined angle is an acute angle.
 87. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 76 wherein saidpredetermined angle faces downward at approximately 30 degrees.
 88. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 84 wherein said systemcomprises at least one fastener for adjustably fastening said first,second and third mounts together to permit loading said first and secondartificial bodies with a predetermined amount of pressure.
 89. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 88 wherein saidadjustable tensioner comprises a screw for adjustably securing saidfirst, second and third mounts together.
 90. The adjustable compressionsystem as recited in claim 83 wherein said artificial body and saidsecond artificial body are selected from a supply of a plurality ofartificial bodies, said plurality of artificial bodies comprisingdifferent predetermined densities.
 91. The adjustable compression systemas recited in claim 83 wherein said artificial body and said secondartificial body are selected from a supply of a plurality of artificialbodies, said plurality of artificial bodies comprising differentpredetermined shapes.
 92. The adjustable compression system as recitedin claim 90 wherein said artificial body and said second artificial bodycomprise a compressible material such as polyethylene, silicone, orviscoelastic polymer.
 93. The adjustable compression system as recitedin claim 91 wherein said predetermined shapes comprises circular,triangular, elliptical or polygonal.
 94. The adjustable compressionsystem as recited in claim 83 wherein at least one of said firstvertebra or said second vertebra is fused to a third vertebra.
 95. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 64 wherein saidadjustable system comprises: a second retainer for mounting on saidfirst vertebrae and second vertebrae, said second retainer comprising asecond retaining area for receiving a second artificial disk andsupporting said second artificial disk posterior of said vertebrae. 96.The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 95 wherein saidfirst retainer and said second retainer comprise at least one bracketfor coupling to said first and second retainer in order to retain saidfirst and second retainer in a fixed position relative to each other.97. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 95 whereinsaid first retainer and said second retainer comprise a pair of bracketsfor coupling to said first and second retainer in order to retain saidfirst and second retainer in a fixed position relative to each other.98. An extra-axial spinal artificial disk method comprising the step ofplacing an artificial elastic or articulating mechanism that replicatesor augments the function of a native disk in any location other than anative disk space or a normal axis of the spine.
 99. An artificial diskthat replicates or augments the function of a native disk in anylocation other than a native disk space or a normal axis of the spine,comprising: a body; and an elastomeric or articulating mechanism in thebody.
 100. An adjustable compression system for reducing the load on atleast one lumbar disk, said adjustable compression system comprising: aretainer for retaining a first compression body posterior of said spinalcolumn and for facilitating reducing load on at least lumbar disk in thespinal column; and a second retainer for mounting on the spinal columnalso for facilitating reducing load on said at least one lumbar disk;wherein said first and second retainers are not located along an axis ofsaid spinal column.
 101. The adjustable compression system as recited inclaim 100 wherein the adjustable compression system further comprises;at least one bracket coupled to said first and second retainers forsecuring said first and second retainers in a fixed position relative toeach other.
 102. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim100 wherein the adjustable compression system further comprises; aplurality of brackets coupled to said first and second retainers forsecuring said first and second retainers in a fixed position relative toeach other.
 103. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim101 wherein at least one of said first or said second retainercomprises: a first mount for mounting on said first vertebra and asecond mount for mounting on said second vertebra, said first mountcomprising a first artificial body support and said second mountcomprising a second artificial body support; said first and secondartificial body supports cooperating to define said receiving area. 104.The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 103 wherein saidfirst and second mounts detachably receive said first and secondartificial body supports after said first and second mounts are mountedon said first and second vertebrae.
 105. The adjustable compressionsystem as recited in claim 104 wherein said system comprises at leastone fastener for adjustably fastening said first and second artificialbody supports to said first and second mounts.
 106. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 104 wherein said system comprisesat least one adjustable fastener to permit adjustable loading saidartificial body with a predetermined amount of pressure after it isreceived in the retaining area.
 107. The adjustable compression systemas recited in claim 106 wherein said predetermined amount of pressure ison the order of the physiological pressures upon the nativeintervertebral disk.
 108. The adjustable compression system as recitedin claim 103 wherein said first and second artificial body supports aregenerally planar.
 109. The adjustable compression system as recited inclaim 103 wherein said first and second mounts each comprise at leastone mounting rod; said first and second artificial body supports beingmounted on said at least one mounting rod such that said artificial bodysupports are situated in a generally opposed relationship exterior tosaid spinal column.
 110. The adjustable compression system as recited inclaim 103 wherein said first artificial body support comprises a firstplanar member and said second artificial body support comprises a secondplanar member, said first and second planar members being in a generallyparallel relationship after said first and second mounts are mounted onsaid first and second vertebrae, respectively.
 111. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 110 wherein said first and secondgenerally planar members are situated at a predetermined angle relativeto said spinal cord.
 112. The adjustable compression system as recitedin claim 111 wherein said predetermined angle is acute.
 113. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 111 wherein saidpredetermined angle faces downward at approximately 30 degrees.
 114. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 100 wherein saidartificial body is selected from a supply of a plurality of artificialbodies, said plurality of artificial bodies comprising differentpredetermined densities.
 115. The adjustable compression system asrecited in claim 100 wherein said artificial body is selected from asupply of a plurality of artificial bodies, said plurality of artificialbodies comprising different predetermined shapes.
 116. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 103 wherein said system comprisesa third mount that cooperates with at least one of said first and secondmounts for reducing spinal column loads when said first and secondvertebrae move in opposite directions.
 117. The adjustable compressionsystem as recited in claim 116 wherein said third mount and at least oneof said first or second mounts defines a second artificial bodyreceiving area for receiving a second artificial body.
 118. Theadjustable compression system as recited in claim 117 wherein said firstsupport comprises a first planar member, said second mount comprises asecond planar member, and said third mount comprises a third planarmember, said first, second and third mounts being in a generallyparallel relationship after said first, second and third supports aremounted on said frame.
 119. The adjustable compression system as recitedin claim 118 wherein said first, second and third generally planarmembers are situated at a predetermined angle relative to said spinalcord.
 120. The adjustable compression system as recited in claim 119wherein said predetermined angle is an acute angle.
 121. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 120 wherein said predeterminedangle faces downward at approximately 30 degrees.
 122. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 118 wherein said system comprisesat least one fastener for adjustably fastening said first, second andthird mounts together to permit loading said first and second artificialbodies with a predetermined amount of pressure.
 123. The adjustablecompression system as recited in claim 122 wherein said adjustabletensioner comprises a screw for adjustably securing said first, secondand third mounts together.
 124. The adjustable compression system asrecited in claim 117 wherein said artificial body and said secondartificial body are selected from a supply of a plurality of artificialbodies, said plurality of artificial bodies comprising differentpredetermined densities.
 125. The adjustable compression system asrecited in claim 117 wherein said artificial body and said secondartificial body are selected from a supply of a plurality of artificialbodies, said plurality of artificial bodies comprising differentpredetermined shapes.
 126. The adjustable compression system as recitedin claim 124 wherein said artificial body and said second artificialbody comprise a compressible material such as polyethylene, silicone, orviscoelastic polymer.
 127. The adjustable compression system as recitedin claim 125 wherein said predetermined shapes comprises circular,triangular, elliptical or polygonal.
 128. The adjustable compressionsystem as recited in claim 117 wherein at least one of said firstvertebra or said second vertebra is fused to a third vertebra.